Celtics prevail over Lakers in rematch of last year's finals

The Boston Celtics have gained a measure of revenge from last season's disheartening NBA basketball finals with a 109-96 road win over the champion Los Angeles Lakers.

In the first meeting between the rivals since the Lakers won a Game Seven duel to capture the NBA title, Paul Pierce scored 32 points and the East-leading Celtics overcame a season-high tying 41 from Bryant to triumph at the site of last summer's heartbreak.